This Day in Minnesota History

 Back to top

Today's Date: June 2

Select a new date:
1838

St. Paul's founder, Pierre Parrant, builds the city's first structure, known as the whiskey seller's cabin, in Fountain Cave. Nicknamed "Pig's Eye" because one of his eyes was surrounded by a "white-ish ring," Parrant had been expelled from the Fort Snelling grounds for selling liquor. The name is also applied to the community when people begin having their mail sent to "Pig's Eye." At Father Lucien Galtier's suggestion, the town's name was changed to St. Paul on November 1, 1849.
1924

Congress passes a law extending citizenship to all Native Americans in the United States.
From The Minnesota Book of Days (Minnesota Historical Society Press).

Is an event missing? Should additional details be included? Contact an editor at mnopedia@mnhs.org to contribute to This Day in Minnesota History.